Emeriti Retiree Health Insurance

As long as you have met the SMU eligibility requirements at retirement – at least age 60 and at least 10 years of SMU employment – you will have access to Emeriti Health Insurance, which is underwritten by Aetna, when you are age 65 and retired, and have enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

  • If you were age 40 or older as of January 1, 2008, and you were enrolled in an SMU Medical plan for the 5-year period immediately preceding retirement, you will have access to the Emeriti Medical and Rx options and SMU will pay a portion of your monthly medical premium (age 65 - 69: $125; age 70 - 74: $135; age 75+: $145).  This applies to your spouse or domestic partner as well, even if he/she was not enrolled in an SMU Medical plan during the 5-year period.
    • After 15 years – in the year 2023 – SMU’s premium subsidy will be frozen at the subsidy amount in effect in 2023.
    • You cannot elect Medical coverage and waive Rx coverage, or elect Rx coverage and waive Medical coverage.

Coverage for Your Spouse (or Domestic Partner)

At the time that you enroll in Emeriti Health Insurance, you can also enroll your age-65 (or older) spouse or same-sex domestic partner.  He or she must enroll in the same Emeriti Health Insurance options that you choose.

  • If your spouse or domestic partner is under 65 at the time you enroll in Emeriti Health Insurance, he or she will remain in the BCBSTX PPO or Aetna HMO they are enrolled in at the time you retire.
  • If your spouse or domestic partner is age 65 or older at the time you retire but you have not yet reached age 65, you and your spouse or domestic partner will remain in the BCBSTX PPO or Aetna HMO you are enrolled in at the time you retire. When you reach 65, you will both have an opportunity to enroll in Emeriti Health Insurance.

What if I Meet the Age and Years of Employment Criteria But Was Not Enrolled in SMU Medical Coverage During the 5-Year Period Preceding Retirement?

As long as you meet the age 60 and 10 years of employment criteria you will have access to the Emeriti Medical and Rx coverage when you reach age 65 and enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, although you will not be eligible for the SMU premium subsidy. You will, however, have access to the contributions you made and the vested contributions SMU made to your Emeriti Health Account during your active years - to pay for premiums and other eligible expenses after retirement.

What If I Decide Not To Enroll In Emeriti Health Insurance When I Retire?

Generally, if you decide not to enroll in Emeriti Health Insurance, you cannot enroll at a later time. However, if you decide not to enroll because your spouse or domestic partner has coverage elsewhere, and he/she later loses that coverage, you will have an opportunity to enroll in Emeriti Health Insurance, although SMU will not pay the 55% premium subsidy.  

  • You will also have an opportunity to opt back in if you experience a qualified life change event such as marriage or divorce.

Emeriti Dental Coverage

Emeriti Dental coverage is also administered by Aetna. If you are age 60 at retirement and have at least 10 years of SMU employment, you and your spouse or domestic partner may enroll in the Emeriti Dental Plan. If you are interested in Dental coverage you must enroll in Emeriti Medical and Rx coverage.  SMU does not contribute to the cost of Dental coverage.  

  • Important:  If you are not enrolled in a Dental Plan when you retire, there will be a six month waiting period before Major dental expenses are covered under the Emeriti Dental Plan.  However, the waiting period will be waived if there is no more than a three month break in coverage and proof of prior coverage is provided.

 

For additional information regarding the Emeriti Program
please refer to the Emeriti FAQs